«PYTHAGORAS Пифагор»

Summary

The text gives valuable information on great Greek mathematician Pythagoras, his life and scientific works. It is described in detail famous Pythagorean theorem, a theorem in geometry that states that in a right-angled triangle the area of the square on the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the areas of the squares of the other two sides. Mention is also made of his other works and achievements. The article is beneficial for students studying Mathematics, history of mathematics and the great figures of the ancient era.

Key words:

algebra, geometry, hypotenuse, Pythagoras, Pythagorean theorem.

Аннотация

Текст дает ценную информацию о великом греческом математике Пифагоре, его жизни и научных трудах. В частности, подробно описывается знаменитая Теорема Пифагора - теорема геометрии, которая гласит, что в прямоугольном треугольнике квадрат гипотенузы (стороны, противоположной прямому углу) равна сумме квадратов двух других сторон. Упоминается также о других его работах и достижениях. Текст предназначен для студентов, изучающих математику, историю математики и великих деятелей древней эпохи.

Herodotus, Isocrates, and other early writers all agree that Pythagoras was born on Samos, the Greek island in the eastern Aegean. His father was a gem-engraver or a merchant. As to the date of his birth, Aristoxenus stated that Pythagoras left Samos in the reign of Polycrates, at the age of 40, which would give a date of birth around 570 BC.

In the absence of reliable information, however, a huge range of teachers were assigned to Pythagoras. We find mentioned as his instructors Creophylus, Thales, Anaximander, and Pherecydes. The Egyptians are said to have taught him geometry, the Phoenicians arithmetic. Of the various claims regarding his Greek teachers, Pherecydes is mentioned most often.

Diogenes reported that Pythagoras had undertaken extensive travels for the purpose of collecting all available knowledge and especially to learn information concerning the secret or mystic cults of the gods.

Many mathematical and scientific discoveries were attributed to Pythagoras, including his famous theorem, as well as discoveries in the field of music, astronomy, and medicine. But it was the religious element which made the profoundest impression upon his contemporaries.